Chapter 12

“You’re a bad person!” An Qixi seemed truly frightened by Huang Ziyuan’s words. Her eyes suddenly reddened, and after letting out a few indignant cries, she trotted toward… Beitang Xian!

Beitang Xian watched coldly as she ran toward him. The tiny person looked flustered and terrified, on the verge of tears, her beautiful little face flushed with a charming rosy hue from the strong liquor. She stopped just a step away from him, looking up at him timidly with those eyes that seemed to speak, fluttering like a restless little deer. For some reason, his own heart felt as if it had been bumped by that wet, glistening gaze, causing a slight tremor!

An Qixi was playing a psychological game with Beitang Xian!

As a psychologist in her past life, she had naturally studied the male psyche. In such situations, when a woman or a weaker party seeks out a man who has the capability to protect them, the man’s self-confidence often swells due to the act of being trusted and asked for help! This triggers their "macho" instincts!

She was gambling! Gambling that Beitang Xian would be like any other normal man and offer her a little bit of help!

She didn’t know how stunning she looked in that moment—helpless, panicked, and foolishly innocent! Pure and naive, ignorant and vulnerable, she stirred feelings of pity, causing others to overlook the ‘fact’ that she was an idiot.

A intense, brilliant light erupted in Huang Ziyuan’s eyes. Although it vanished in a flash, it couldn't hide the continuous amazement he felt! Even he found it incredible that one day, he would actually feel ripples in his heart for a simpleton!

Beitang Xian watched on coldly. If she were truly such a simple, foolish girl who wore her emotions on her sleeve, then being dragged into this struggle was her tragedy, and An Fang really was stopping at nothing.

Watching her two small, fair, and tender hands twisting together uneasily, her gaze so eager to be near him, Beitang Xian’s heart was not without shock. When had his charisma become so potent? To make a simpleton who understood nothing feel trust? Or was she doing this intentionally?

An Qixi was cursing wildly in her heart. *Damn it, is this going to work? Is this Prince some kind of pervert? Does he not have a man’s macho instincts? If so, hasn't this "little lamb" act been for nothing?*

Just as she was hesitating and preparing to pull back her hands to find another target, unexpectedly, Beitang Xian’s hand moved like lightning, grabbing her. His large hand, slightly calloused, pinched her delicate chin. His phoenix eyes narrowed, unable to hide the sharp, cold light within, and his mellow voice, mixed with the heavy scent of alcohol, washed over her: “Little fool, since you’ve chosen this Prince, there is no turning back for you!”

An Qixi was baffled, but she still cooperated by nodding with a silly, foolish smile, her small hands cleverly winding around his arm, acting as if she liked Beitang Xian very much. There was no help for it; he might be her meal ticket for the days to come.

Therefore, An Qixi, step one: she must leave a mark in Beitang Xian’s heart!

Upon seeing An Qixi’s trusting smile, Beitang Xian revealed a thin, cold, and eerie curve of his lips—perfect and alluring like a poppy, yet poisonous!

“Xian! What are you doing?” Huang Ziyuan was startled. Usually, when Beitang Xian wore that expression, it meant… he was about to take action!

“This Prince wants the world to know that the name Beitang Xian is not something anyone can insult!” As those words left his lips, his tall, upright frame erupted with a captivating aura—majestic, cold, stern, and domineering, enough to sway the world!

An Qixi shivered involuntarily, though a flash of surprise crossed the depths of her eyes.

*Is this man about to make a move? An Fang, should I also let you know that An Qixi is not someone to be trifled with?* A slight curve at the corner of her mouth betrayed the anger in her heart, but it was accurately captured by Beitang Lie.

Beitang Lie observed An Qixi calmly. *Why did this woman run to the Imperial Brother at the very first moment? The Imperial Brother has always been cold-faced; although he hasn't teased her with words, he hasn't exactly been approachable, has he?* Until he saw that half-smile on An Qixi’s lips, he actually felt a sense of allure! Was it his imagination? Or did An Qixi… have some unknown secret?

“What are you going to do?” Huang Ziyuan returned to his lazy demeanor, playing with An Qixi’s soft, smooth hair while asking.

Beitang Xian glanced at An Qixi, who was clutching him tightly with one hand while waving the other to swat at Huang Ziyuan. *Is she transparent? She pouts in protest at what she doesn't like, just like now.* His dark mood suddenly improved. His thin lips curled slightly, and his voice turned into a glacier: “By now, I’m afraid no one in the Beihe Dynasty doesn't know that this Prince dotes on his new Princess!”

The other two were shocked. An Qixi’s mind raced, and she suddenly understood Beitang Xian’s clever plan. No wonder he had made her cry all night and hadn't left the room until now; he was going to use their own methods against them! It seemed there was a good show to watch next!

“You’re going to let the mistake stand? Let the world believe you married the right person?” Huang Ziyuan’s peach-blossom eyes widened in disbelief. *Swallowing his pride? That doesn't sound like Beitang Xian!*

Beitang Xian shook his head, his gaze deep and complex as he looked at An Qixi, then said: “You two should leave; this play doesn't need you!”

Both of them were the type who feared the world wouldn't be chaotic enough, and they were happy to see the excitement, but they only wanted to watch the show, so they obediently prepared to leave.

“Don't let anyone discover you!” With Beitang Xian’s words, the two looked grim and immediately moved toward the back window.

When only the two of them were left in the room, An Qixi still felt uneasy. Although she put on a foolish act until her face felt cramped, she still gave him a silly, innocent smile.

How could Beitang Xian easily believe that An Qixi was just an idiot? Even if the whole world believed her, he only trusted himself! He poured a cup of hot tea with his own hands, dumped a packet of white powder into the tea right in front of An Qixi, and turned to give her a devilishly charming smile: “Little girl, this is delicious. Come, drink it!”

An Qixi put on a confused expression, tilting her little head and giggling foolishly. But inside, she was suddenly shocked! *God damn it, is this man choosing to just finish her off? What should she do? If she drinks it, she might die! If she doesn't drink it, she will definitely die!*

Even though the hesitation lasted only a few short seconds, An Qixi still accurately captured the impatience and ruthlessness in Beitang Xian’s brow. This discovery made her entire body go cold in an instant!

She giggled foolishly and asked weakly: “Is there… sugar?”